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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Limitations and Demerits of e-books

Disadvantages related to reading:
  • Eyes get affected badly
  • Must have either a computer or e-book reader
Disadvantages with E-book readers:
  • The reader may face some discomfort with e-book reader while using it.  For example, glare on the screen or difficulty in holding the device.  
  • Over time, the reader's battery becomes drain and requires recharging.
  • Unlike a printed book, an e-book can be published in different formats.  Some of the readers may have only one format and may not be aware of any other format.  Though PDF and epub are becoming popular, they are not universal formats.
  • E-book formats and file types continue to develop and change through time through advances and developments in technology or the introduction of new proprietary formats. An e-book reader may not support new formats.
Disadvantages related to availability:
  • Not all books are available as e-books
Disadvantages related to publishers and authors:
  • E-book industry is plagued by piracy and several publishers and authors have been losing their revenue and royalty respectively, which they have to duly get from buyers of the book.  It should be noted that it is very easy to replicate an e-book but difficult to replicate hardcopy.  Moreover, replication of e-book does not cost anything while that of hard copy incurs expenditure.
Disadvantages related to cost:
  • Some unique e-books often cost the same as their print versions.
Other Disadvantages:
  • As technology changes rapidly, old versions and models of e-book readers become obsolete and there will be a large amount of toxic waste that is not easily biodegradable like paper.  It causes so much of harm to environment.
Written by: S. Chandrashekara Reddy
Ph.No: 91-9849856722

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